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Downtown Dance Factory

4.7 ★★★★★ 47 Google reviews · Ballet school in New York, New York

Free trial Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / first class new students can usually try a class free or at a discount — call ahead or check their schedule to book your first one
  • Ages classes for ages 5–18 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 212-962-1800
  • Website & schedule downtowndancefactory.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 10 am–12:30 pm, 3–8:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am–12:30 pm, 2:15–8:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am–12:30 pm, 2:45–8:30 pm
Thursday 10 am–12:30 pm, 2:45–8:30 pm
Friday 3–7:30 pm
Saturday 9 am–3:30 pm
Sunday Closed

Studio hours shift for holidays, recitals, and term schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Downtown Dance Factory, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 45 mentions

“The party was extremely well managed - lively, exciting, and great fun for the kids, and a very comfortable environment for adult guests as well!”

All studios with kids ballet →

🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet 2 mentions

“I was able to enjoy and relax with two dozen preschoolers which says A LOT about how well run they are.”

All studios with toddler & pre-ballet →

🕺 Boys' Ballet

“Our son also took part in the boys program for 7 years as well (and we even hosted an amazing birthday at DDF).”

All studios with boys' ballet →

☀️ Summer Intensives

All studios with summer intensives →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 47 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🧑‍🏫 caring, skilled teachers 5 mentions

“The recitals at the end of the year are so professional that I think they give the kids the sense that they can do anything as long as they work hard and have great teachers.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“If you are looking for a dance studio with a wide offering of classes and a warm and welcoming environment, there is no better place than DDF!”

🧸 wonderful with young kids 9 mentions

“The kids loved it, they were giggling and smiling as they danced, completed obstacle courses and played games to all their favorite tunes.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 11 mentions

“My daughter has recently joined one of the Company groups and I’m so impressed with the confidence and passion she has developed thanks to her teachers at DDF.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 14 mentions

“The recitals at the end of the year are so professional that I think they give the kids the sense that they can do anything as long as they work hard and have great teachers.”

serious pre-professional training 2 mentions

“My daughter has recently joined one of the Company groups and I’m so impressed with the confidence and passion she has developed thanks to her teachers at DDF.”

From the reviews

My daughter absolutely loves downtown dance factory! The classes and teachers are amazing. The teachers are great with kids and have a load of dance experience. The in-house store carries everything you need for you dancer and more! The birthday parties are great!

★★★★★ — Natalie, May 2024

Downtown Dance Factory is a one of a kind dance studio. Both of my girls have danced with them over the last 10+ years and my youngest continues to take numerous classes every week and absolutely loves it.

★★★★★ — Kellie, Nov 2022

This dance studio is beyond amazing and has honestly changed my daughter’s life. She started late, at 12, and now in her fourth year she dances 10 hours a week. The teachers and owners care so much about the kids. My daughter now has a passion that gives her confidence and joy and keeps her in great shape.

★★★★★ — Betsy, Oct 2018

Downtown Dance Factory has amazing teachers and such a warm, welcoming, and supportive community. My daughter has been dancing with DDF for 7 years. My husband and I always look forward to watching the performances. So much talent and so many smiles!

★★★★★ — Lindsey, Sep 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 47 reviews →

Your first ballet class at Downtown Dance Factory

Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Downtown Dance Factory

4th & 5th Floors, 291 Broadway, New York, NY10007

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.